Monday 1 September 2014

Time With Dad - Day One

 
I had toyed with the idea of entering Leslie Saeta's now famous 30 day challenge, but decided I would be mad to commit to it with so many other things taking priority in my life at the moment.
But then it crossed my mind that I could maybe manage a quick sketch every day. I took my sketchbook out with me just on the off-chance an opportunity would arise to sketch something. It was a busy and gruelling day and it was after 7pm when I even remembered my intention.
I had visited my Dad in hospital in the morning and with Father's Day less than a week away I felt inspired to sketch this cherished photo of the two of us taken on our farm when I was two or three years old.

 
I'm not sure that sketches are OK to submit for the painting challenge so I will try to add watercolour paints to subsequent pieces. I had a wonderful experience participating in the September painting challenge last year and was thrilled to complete 30 acrylic paintings in 30 days, but as this is a very last minute decision this year, I have no idea if I'll even post again tomorrow let alone for 30 days!

12 comments:

  1. Oh wow Wendy! this is a great sketch. Your trip served you well, a re-newed inspiration for your lost love of ink drawing.
    You used the reference well. Taking from it what was essential. The cow has great volume of form, all of it has great directional lines. A really good distillation of drawing. Trained as an illustrator one of the things we were taught was to use the best from our source, real life or photo, then make it our own. You did that here.
    More!
    And I'll bet sketches are perfectly fine to submit.
    I'm sure her challenge is more about the daily commitment than painting itself.
    Do it and,
    Keep sketching...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much David - you are so encouraging! I am making techniques up as I go so I was pleased to hear you say I had achieved volume of form. I have done another sketch this evening (day two) but will wait for the morning to photograph in natural light. As long as I post before midday my time it will register as the 2nd.
      I haven't forgotten about your contrails!

      Delete
  2. You go girl! This is great and I'm sure it's fine to enter only sketches for 30-in-30. Leslie doesn't have art police ( :

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting Julia! I love your little house for your first day of the challenge!

      Delete
  3. A beautiful drawing. Maybe its hormones but it brought tears thinking of your special moment. I agree with Julia...no one will call the Art 9-1-1 number. Your sketches are lovely...go for it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kaethe! I have always found it a very moving photo and particularly so at the moment under the circumstances.
      Love the theme you have chosen - you are painting parts of my own state that I have yet to visit - and doing such a great job of it while you're at it!

      Delete
  4. Dear Wendy - what a touching sketch my friend. Hope your dad is doing alright too - will be emailing you later. As for the sketch/painting a day. I am not participating online but like you decided to do thirty sketches this month for my own personal satisfaction. Not sure I will have enough time either but that is my goal. Have a great day dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad to hear that you are sketching every day too Debbie, I hope you will show them all online!

      Delete
  5. What a wonderful photo and a tender drawing of the two of you. Love your ink hatching! I can see how you might think twice about doing a challenge but it is fun sometimes to push yourself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Joan! Yes, I'm having fun so far with the challenge.

      Delete
  6. Wonderful photo and fantastic sketch Mate! Both very emotional! I so hope your Dad is doing okay. Savor every second! So very glad to see you back blogging. I haven't been doing much blogging or commenting lately! Need to get back on track! Oh, I agree with David, submit everything and anything! Sketch or painting, art on! Going back to check out your newest post and then check out our other art buddies! Welcome home again Cobber! You were missed! Thrilled that you were thinking of your USA Art Cobber when you enjoyed our mutual art friend Vincent V. Saw a huge Turner exhibit this summer. Write about it later.
    You Counting The Days Until Fall Art Buddy Michael

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your good wishes Michael.
      Yes, I definitely thought of you a lot while I was visiting art galleries knowing how much you would love to be visiting them too. I was very pleased that you got to see a Turner exhibition!!

      Delete